DANCE TALKS

This season, award-winning choreographer Alice Topp debuted her first work for Houston Ballet. In conversation with Artistic Director Julie Kent, Topp explores the ideas behind Sisu, a conceptual piece examining the inner flame that drives us—and our resilience in the face of adversity.

Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s tumultuous life and art, Broken Wings channels her bold spirit. Explore the real experiences behind Kahlo’s story with Cindy Peña, Assistant Curator of Latin American and Latino Art at Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and hear how it comes to life through dance with Principal Karina González.

Every heroine needs a villain—and with three heroines in Sylvia, we get three compelling antagonists. Principal Harper Watters, First Soloist Eric Best, and Soloists Alyssa Springer and Aaron Daniel Sharratt talk about how they tap into the villainous mindset, what it takes to bring these complex figures to life, and the characteristics that make up the great villains of ballet.

Christopher Bruce’s Rooster saunters in with swagger on a mixed bill spanning styles, set to the timeless tunes of The Rolling Stones. True to Bruce’s choreographic voice, it speaks to human nature at its core. This Dance Talk highlights Rooster with its legendary creator, joined by First Soloist Tyler Donatelli and former First Soloist Kelly Myernick, while also reflecting on Bruce’s remarkable career and his celebrated tenure as Houston Ballet Associate Choreographer.

In our first Dance Talk of the season, we explore John Cranko’s Onegin, based on Alexander Pushkin’s celebrated verse-novel of love, longing, and missed opportunities. In a conversation led by Elizabeth Klett, Professor of Literature at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, hear from Principals Jessica Collado and Aaron Robison alongside stager Reid Anderson-Graefe as they reflect on how Cranko brings story, character, and emotion to life onstage.